Overview
Synopsis
Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love.
With dazzling sets, whimsical puppetry, high energy dance numbers, and laughs by the minute, Shrek the Musical transforms the contemporary children’s book and popular animated feature film into a stage musical that is sure to entertain and make audiences believers in happy endings for all.
Show Information
Context
Shrek the Musical is based on DreamWorks Animation’s 2001 film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!. Librettist and lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire and Director Jason Moore started developing the musical in 2002. Jeanine Tesori began contributing music to the project in 2004.
The musical received its out-of-town tryout at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in August 2008, and transferred to Broadway in November of that same year. After completing a month of previews, the musical
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Act One
Shrek is a green ogre, whose parents send him away to establish an independent life for himself on his seventh birthday. They encourage his journey into the “big bright beautiful world”, but are also certain that he won’t be able to enjoy much of what the world has to offer due to the discrimination he will face as an ogre. They recommend he shut the world out, so that there is no way he can get hurt. Many years later, Shrek is an adult happily living a solitary life in a swamp he
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Interactive Character Map
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Understand the relationships that shape the story of Shrek the Musical
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Acceptance and Self-Acceptance
In Shrek the Musical, the theme of acceptance and self-acceptance permeates the narrative, challenging characters and audiences to embrace inner truths beyond superficial judgments. Shrek, an ogre ostracized for his appearance, initially retreats into isolation, but through encounters with displaced fairy tale creatures and Fiona, he learns to value his "layers." This theme is amplified in Fiona's arc, cursed to transform into an ogress at
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Shrek the Musical and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
Aesthetics refers to the set of principles that guide the creation and appreciation of beauty, particularly in the arts. In theatre, it encompasses visual style, emotional resonance, and philosophical ideas that shape the production's overall look and feel.
An allusion is an indirect reference to another work of literature, art, historical event, or cultural figure. Playwrights often use allusions to add deeper meaning or context to a character’s dialogue or a scene.
An actor who specializes in portraying distinctive, often supporting roles.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
